Reading with Erica

This week I went to Quayle United Methodist Church to read with the children. Project Transformation is a program for inner city children. I read with three different children. The first, Erica, was a good reader. She was reading Amber Brown is not a Crayon. With a little help, she finished the book and picked out an Animorphs book for next time. Then, I was assigned to a sweet little girl that had a lot of trouble reading. She was obviously familiar with sounds and phonics, but she could not seem to see the words through the letters. She sounded out each sound never pausing to recognize when one word ended and another began. Reading was frustrating to her. She was tired and unenthusiastic. She finished her book and then I read a book to her. Finally, it was time to pick two new books. “Pick out a book for me to read, and I will pick one out for you,” I offered. We selected our books and returned to our seats. She picked out Brown Bear, Brown Bear, What do You See? I opened it and her face lit up. She read along with me…at first she wanted to peek at the next page to help her along…when I didn’t let her, she very patiently and very enthusiastically sounded out every word. She did great and I discovered the genius behind Eric Carle once again.

Another Preview

Just the description...as it stands now.

Website Description

A New Venture from Old Obsessions

I have been thinking about how I can use the knowledge I gained from my love of Religion, Education, and Social Justice, to work toward "the book" I plan to write. I have been working on all types of "creative" ventures....sewing, knitting, painting, drawing, photography, blogging, and writing. Finally, with some inspiration from SunnyNole and CreativeMom, it clicked. I am working on a blog and possibly a podcast that focuses on the Spirituality of Children and Raising a family. Thus far, I have developed a Title, Website (though not officially launched) and I have been working on content. I plan to feature "essays" about religion, family ritual ideas, writing prompts, applicable book reviews (adult and children) and much more...we will see what evolves. I am so excited and thankful for the two individuals who have inspired and encouraged me through their work.

Here is the art I plan to use on my website "Colors of Creativity":

Stay tuned for more updates as they evolve. Please leave comments and suggestions along with questions that you think might help me make this project happen. Thanks for all of your support.

Some Projects Finished

Completing projects on my "vacation" with both of the boys, was challenging to say the least. But I am excited that I did get a good start and I had a lot of fun planning. Here are some before and after pics of my work. I moved a picture of my great-grandmother Mary. She is the original owner of Casa de Maria, hence the name. This painting was painted of her by a friend's daughter that was somewhat of a savant. Apparently Mary did not like the picture, but I love it and was so excited to bring it out from a dark corner in the bedroom to above the buffet in the main room.

I replaced the shower curtain and bath rug in the little outside bathroom. I wish I had a better picture, but the bathroom is TINY. It looks pretty good.
This area has been bugging me for years. It is just inside the portel (screened in porch). It has been piled high with junk and whatever we travel with that doesn't have a home. I cleaned it out, added a chest from one of the bunk houses and added some seating. I love it....we will see how long it stays this way.
Another small seating area in portel.

Before: Bunkhouse III

After: Bunkhouse III (photo 1)After: Bunkhouse III (Photo 2) I love this room. This is now a great room for two to sleep or to set up as a perfect craft/sewing room.
Before: Bunkhouse II
After: Bunkhouse II This room is a work in progress. The current plan is to decorate it with the bedding, etc. from my dad's childhood room. I thought it would be fun for the boys to stay in when they get older and get to see all of their Papa B's old stuff.
I also knit. I didn't make a lot of progress on my prayer shawl, but I am officially back in the swing of knitting. Now I just need to learn to pearl. :)

Quality Time

I feel loved when...

The Five Love Languages

My Primary Love Language is Quality Time

My Detailed Results:
Quality Time:	10
Words of Affirmation:	9
Acts of Service:	7
Physical Touch:	3
Receiving Gifts:	1

About this quiz

Unhappiness in relationships is often due to the fact that we speak different love languages. It can be helpful to know what language you speak and what language those around you speak.

Tag 3 people so they can find out what their love language is.

Take the Quiz!
Check out the Book

Spring Mosaic

Spring Mosaic
Originally uploaded by UpNAdam.

We have had such a great time enjoying the beautiful weather. I have taken dozens of pictures of different places we have visited and some just around our house. Working on these photo prompts, really helps me appreciate the beauty of Oklahoma....sometimes you have to search for it, but it is always present. More to come later....so much to do, so little time.

More Fun With Photoshop

I made this change to my little scrapbook page.....thanks to a suggestion by SunnyNole. I had to tilt "Grandma Jan's" head up a little to make it look right....but, I think it looks pretty good. I put this together to test out how to make "cut outs". It is a little cheesy, but I think it is pretty cute. Baby crying....gotta go!